Sumiko Oriole
Best high-end cartridge for audiophiles seeking refined, fatigue-free analog listening.
This cartridge bridges the gap between high-end performance and musical accessibility, offering a fatigue-free sound that prioritizes nuance over raw aggression. Its open-architecture design strips away resonance to reveal a startlingly quiet background, making it the ideal choice for listeners who value long-term immersion over technical flash.
$1699.00
at
Analogplanet
Who it's for
- Budget-conscious collectors wanting high-end performance for less
- Listeners seeking a warm and inviting musical experience
- Audiophiles who value natural flow over clinical precision
Who should skip it
- Purists who demand a strictly neutral or analytical sound
- Users wanting a plug-and-play cartridge without system matching
- Listeners prioritizing microscopic detail and absolute sonic transparency
Performance breakdown
Detail Retrieval
The Shibata stylus extracts microscopic textures with remarkable precision and clarity.
Dynamic Range
Captures the full emotional sweep from delicate whispers to explosive crescendos.
Resonance Control
Open-architecture design effectively eliminates internal coloration for a cleaner signal.
Background Silence
Provides a jet-black foundation that allows subtle musical nuances to bloom.
Build Precision
Expert Japanese craftsmanship ensures exceptional mechanical stability and long-term reliability.
Listening Fatigue
Refined sonic character makes for effortless, fatigue-free listening over extended sessions.
Key Specs
Weight
7.3g
Stylus
Nude Shibata (6.5 x 40µm)
Cantilever
0.5mm Reinforced Aluminum Pipe
Coils
High-Purity Copper
Internal Impedance
5.5Ω
Load Impedance
>55Ω
Frequency Response
12Hz – 45kHz
Output Voltage
0.3mV
Channel Separation
30dB
Tracking Force Range
1.8g – 2.2g
Know before you buy
Still have a question?
Ask Metto anything about the Sumiko Oriole before you decide.
